When you think of prepping for a holiday, you’ll often focus on packing clothes, getting your passport sorted, or applying enough sun cream. But your ears might be the most overlooked part of your travel checklist.
Travel – especially flying and swimming – can create a perfect storm for ear issues. You’re exposed to sudden changes in pressure, unfamiliar bacteria in water, and often more earphone use than usual.
If your ears are already slightly blocked before you leave, this combination can quickly turn a relaxing getaway into the worst holiday you’ll ever have.
What are the risks of flying with blocked ears?
Changes in cabin pressure during flights can cause a condition called ear barotrauma. It’s more likely to occur if the Eustachian tubes (which help balance pressure in the ears) are already blocked by wax, mucus, or inflammation from allergies or a cold.
Symptoms can include:
- 👉 Pain or discomfort during take-off and landing
- 👉 Muffled or dulled hearing
- 👉 A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- 👉 Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- 👉 In severe cases, a ruptured eardrum
According to guidance from ENT specialists and flight health studies, flying with a cold or existing ear blockage increases the chance of more serious barotrauma, which may need medical attention and can take days or weeks to fully resolve.
How common are ear infections during holidays?
Ear infections – particularly swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) – are more common than you might expect during holidays. Warm weather and frequent swimming create an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to multiply in the ear canal.
Water from pools, lakes or the sea can remain trapped in the ear canal, especially if there’s excess wax or narrowing of the ear. This moisture weakens the skin lining and lets bacteria enter more easily.
Common symptoms include:
- 👉 Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling on the ear
- 👉 A feeling of fullness or blockage
- 👉 Itchiness in the ear canal
- 👉 Discharge (often clear, yellow or white)
- 👉 Temporary hearing reduction
The NHS notes that swimmer’s ear can affect around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, and it’s more likely in people who swim often or already have eczema or excess earwax.
Can you prevent these issues before you travel?
The short answer is yes. A simple ear health check can help identify common concerns that might become worse during travel. This might include:
- 🛑 Earwax build-up, which can increase the risk of blockage or trapped water, leading to infection
- 🔥 Signs of inflammation, which may suggest a higher risk of swimmer’s ear
- ✈️ Pre-existing conditions, like eczema, that may require a management plan for the trip
While earwax is a natural part of a healthy ear, excessive build-up can prevent the ear from draining water properly or cause hearing changes during pressure shifts – which can cause infection, pain and real discomfort.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your ears before travel, get them checked out by an audiologist or a local ear care specialist – that one check could literally save your holiday from being ruined!
Are waterproof earplugs worth packing?
Waterproof earplugs can be a useful preventative measure – especially for those prone to ear infections, or with a history of swimmer’s ear.
There are a few types available:
- 👉 Mouldable silicone plugs – easy to use, good for surface swimming and general pool use
- 👉 Custom-fitted plugs – made to fit your ear canal, often more comfortable for long use or regular swimmers
- 👉 Swimming headbands or ear bands – useful for children or those with grommets or ear surgery
It’s important to ensure that earplugs fit properly and are cleaned regularly, especially after each swim. Foam earplugs, which are designed for noise reduction, are not suitable for water use as they absorb moisture and can harbour bacteria.
What about flying – do special earplugs help?
There are also pressure-regulating earplugs designed for air travel. These don’t block sound entirely, but they slow the rate of pressure change, giving the Eustachian tubes more time to adjust during take-off and landing.
They may be useful for:
- 👉 People who experience regular discomfort when flying
- 👉 Children, who have smaller Eustachian tubes and are more sensitive to pressure shifts
- 👉 Travellers recovering from a recent cold or sinus infection
Other tips to relieve ear pressure include swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or using a nasal decongestant before and during your flight.
What should you do if your ears start to hurt on holiday?
Ear pain while abroad isn’t uncommon, but early action can prevent things from getting worse.
- 👉 Don’t insert anything into your ear, including cotton buds or fingers, which can worsen the issue or damage the canal.
- 👉 If you’ve been swimming, dry your ears carefully, tilt your head to drain water, or use a soft towel.
- 👉 Mild discomfort may resolve on its own, but if symptoms persist – especially if you notice discharge or hearing loss – seek local medical attention.
It’s also helpful to travel with a basic ear care kit: clean earplugs, a small towel, and (if previously recommended by a doctor) over-the-counter drops or sprays.
Should I see an audiologist when I return home?
If you experienced any of the following while away, it’s worth booking a check-up on your return:
- 👉 Persistent muffled hearing or ear blockage
- 👉 Discomfort or fullness that lasted more than a few days
- 👉 Recurring pain or itchiness in the ears
- 👉 Any unusual discharge from the ear canal
Sometimes holiday-related ear infections can linger or flare up again once you’re back home, especially if they weren’t fully treated while away.
Again, an audiologist or hearing specialist can examine the ears, assess hearing, and advise on next steps if treatment is needed.
Final thoughts: Travel is better when your ears are ready
Blocked ears or unexpected infections might not seem like a major issue – until they interrupt your sleep, stop you from swimming, or make flying home unpleasant.
Preparing your ears before travel is a simple, sensible step, especially if you’ve had past issues, are prone to blockages, or plan to spend a lot of time in the water.
Whether that means using waterproof earplugs, managing allergies before your flight, or having your ears checked for wax build-up, the good news is most of these problems are preventable and easy to manage with the right information.
If you’re due to fly away this summer, don’t let your ears ruin your holiday – come and see us for a hearing health check to make sure you’re fit and ready to travel!
